Fixing an Aerator: So Simple Even a … Well – You Know…

A kitchen faucet aerator helps reduce the water flow thus conserving water. Most plumbing fixtures come equipped with this useful device so most likely yours do too. Aside from conserving water, this device also keeps the water coming out of the spout from splashing all over.

As time passes, this part of the fixture gets clogged due to water pressure and sediment. When this happens, this causes the fixture’s spout to either spray water or get obstructed so as not to produce any flow. The good thing, however, is that this part of the fixture can be easily replaced. Anyone can remove it and replace it in a matter of a few minutes as long as you have all necessary tools handy.

So what do you need when fixing this?

You must have a pair of pliers handy, a dish towel, some masking tape, a bowl, a toothbrush and white distilled vinegar.

So how do you go about replacing this device?

The procedure is as follows:

1. First clear the sink with any dishes and plug the sink drain with the stopper. Now for a work space, place a dish towel on the counter top. Get your bowl and pour about half an inch of white distilled vinegar on it.
2. Proceed to remove the aerator from the fixture. This is done by twisting it in a clockwise direction to unscrew it. You may need a pair of pliers to do this if you encounter some difficulty using your hand. If you are going to use a pair of pliers to unscrew it, protect the finish by wrapping some masking tape around its edge first.
3. Disassemble the device and make sure that you remember the order each of the pieces are in so you won’t be having difficulties reassembling later. To help you remember, lay the pieces across the dish towel. Top pieces on the left side of the towel and bottom pieces on the right side o the towel.
4. Soak the pieces in the white distilled vinegar for about an hour. Why is this necessary? Vinegar can dissolve hard mineral and water deposits so putting the wire mesh and other clogged pieces in this solution will clear the device of any obstruction and make it work again.
5. If there are any remaining deposits on the components, use a toothbrush to remove them before rinsing the pieces with water.
6. Reassemble the unit and screw it back in place. Turn the fixture on to test it.

If you find your kitchen faucet aerator to be worn out totally or damaged, you may have to buy a new one. You can find a replacement from the nearest Toronto home improvement shop.

If you find that even replacing the aerator does not alleviate the problem, it would be a good idea to contact your Toronto plumber. He can identify the problem and provide a solution quickly and efficiently.